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FIELD TRIP
CHILITO MINE
(COPPER MINERALS)
Saturday, November 21, 2026
LIMITED TRIP: 30 Members Total all Clubs.
MSA Limit first (10) members to RSVP
unless spots open up.
Mineralogical Society of Arizona Membership required.
Multi-Club trip with Mineralogical Society of Arizona, Daisy Mountain Rock & Mineral Club, Payson Rimstones Rock Club and Pinal Gem & Mineral Society.
MATERIAL: The Chilito Mine is a copper mine with an extensive oxidized zone. Copper silicates, oxides and carbonates are found here: Chrysocolla, Azurite, Malachite, Cuprite, and Native Copper. Some very nice mineral specimens to very colorful yard rocks can be collected.
TRIP LEADER: Bill Freese
LEADER CONTACTC INFO: (602) 568-6843
CARPOOLS BEING ORGANIZED: No
RSVP DEADLINE: Thursday, November 19, 2026 @ 6:00 PM or once limit has been reached.
TRIP DATE: Saturday, November 21, 2026
MEET-UP LOCATION ADDRESS: Hayden, AZ area. Members must register to receive Location Address.
MEET-UP TIME: 9:30 AM
DEPARTURE TIME: 9:45 AM sharp or once all members have shown up if before departure time.
SPECIAL DEPARTURE NOTES: As a courtesy for group who arrive on time, Trip Leader not waiting for stragglers past Departure Time.
HOW LONG WILL TRIP LAST (END TIME): Around 2:00PM.
FEE's: Free
RATE PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF TRIP (1-10):
• This is an abandoned open pit mine with miles of road to explore.
• Staying on or near the roads is easy rated (1).
• Climbing rubble slopes can be rigorous and dangerous rated (10).
• AGE & PETS: This area has many dangerous slopes and rocks, so no children under 14 and no pets.
TRAVEL NOTE:
• Please allow at least 1/2 hour more time than normal to get to the meeting spot. The delays were not noted on the state of Arizona highway condition website.
• Although the road to the mine is straightforward, it is often the trip leader’s courtesy to stay behind or assign someone to stay behind to meet stragglers. Being late is not socially acceptable behavior. Plan ahead and be on time or early.
TRIP DETAILS:
• MSA MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED
• COUPLE MEMBERSHIP MUST REGISTER SEPARATELY FOR EACH FAMILY MEMBER UNDER YOUR MEMBERSHIP.
• Please wear MSA NAME BADGE if possible.
• This field trip is designed for members to safely collect around the parking area within the mine.
• Always face the slope so you can fall toward the slope.
• Our destination is the Velasco Pit within the mine, which is a large flat area with room for many vehicles. You can just park here and explore.
• Due to the extensive area within the mine, if you plan on driving away or hiking extensively (beyond sight of the parking area) and the group, you MUST let Trip Leader know your plans. This is to ensure the Trip Leader knows that everyone is accounted for at the end of the trip.
• Trip Leader will have a note pad and pencil on their vehicle, so you can write down your plans in case you cannot find Trip Leader.
• We will hang out until everyone gets their fill, but we will end the trip by 2:00 PM. I'm sure everyone will have all they can handle before that time.
• DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE ROADS AND TERRAIN, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO STAY LONGER BE SURE TO CONTACT TRIP LEADER TO CONFIRM YOU WILL BE STAYING LONGER AND TAKE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR EXTENDED STAY.
VEHICLE:
• High Clearance 4WD vehicles ONLY for this trip (NO RAV4's or Subaru). Sections of the road are very rough and very narrow with no place to pass or turn around. Breaking down or getting stuck on this road will be a major problem for you and the entire group. The road out to mine is very rocky, but passable by high clearance pickup or such.
• Tires MUST be in good shape, and you should have a Full-sized spare, (NO donuts). There are some turns and many side roads, so make sure you stay with the guides.
• TRIP PREPAREDNESS: Arrive with full tank of gas, good tires, full size spare tire and vehicle in good working order.
TOOLS NEEDED: Hammers & chisels. The material to be collected consists of rocks that can simply be picked up to boulders that need sledgehammers, wedges, pry bars, etc.
ANCILLARY ITEMS NEEDED: Sunscreen, durable hat, extra water, lunch & snacks, bug spray, bucket, backpack, first aid kit. Yes, all of these as well as all-purpose paper.
REQUIRED SAFETY (PPE) TO BRING: Safety glasses, durable hats, gloves, clothing, and sturdy boots are required. There are many angular rocks along the slopes and wearing heavy, durable pants can offer some protection. 2-way radios are a great way to contact the leaders within the mine (in case you have a problem). The frequencies will be determined at the meeting place.
OPTIONAL OVERIGHT OR DAY TRIP: Day Trip Only
LIABILTY WAIVER: Sign at meet-up site.
TRIP CANCELLATION CLAUSE: Trip Leader can cancel the field trip due to low participation (under 5 members RSVP) or weather or road conditions.
ATTENDANCE COMMITMENT: Members who RSVP are expected to attend. If you cannot go, notify the Trip Leader as soon as possible, and no later than 1–2 days before the trip. Timely notice ensures the group is not delayed waiting for a no-show and allows waitlisted members the opportunity to participate.
Chrysocolla with fungus-like growth of malachite.
Stan Celestian photo.
Cuprite with minor native copper in chrysocolla infused quartz.
Stan Celestian photo.
YARD ROCKS!
Stan Celestian photo.
Azurite and Malachite along fractures in rock.
Stan Celestian photo.